RENO, Nev. — A tragic shooting occurred early Monday morning outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to three others.
The gunman was eventually shot and arrested by police, who arrived within minutes of the first shots being fired.
Details regarding the suspect remain sparse, with authorities confirming that he had no known connection to the victims.
It is currently unclear whether he was a guest or an employee of the casino, which is known as the largest casino in Reno and has been a popular destination for tourists, especially during the summer.
The Grand Sierra Resort has hosted numerous high-profile events, including concerts and a campaign rally by President Donald Trump prior to the 2024 election.
Police are actively investigating the motive behind the shooting, which unfolded around 7:30 a.m.
According to law enforcement officials, the gunman approached the valet parking area and brandished a handgun at a group of people.
His firearm initially malfunctioned, but he quickly managed to fire several rounds before he fled on foot through the parking lot.
During his escape, he encountered an armed casino security guard and opened fire at him.
The guard returned fire, but the suspect continued to flee.
In a further act of violence, the shooter also targeted a passing vehicle in the parking lot, fatally wounding the driver.
The rapid response of law enforcement was praised by local officials, with Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve highlighting their swift actions that prevented the shooter from entering the main casino area.
The police chief of Sparks, Chris Crawforth, stated that the shooter had multiple firearm magazines in his possession when he was apprehended.
In the encounter with law enforcement, the suspect opened fire on Reno police officers, hitting a patrol vehicle.
Multiple officers returned fire, striking the gunman, who survived and is now in critical condition at a local hospital.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos that unfolded during the shooting.
Michael Sisco, 60, described hearing popping sounds from his hotel room window just moments before he was about to head to the valet.
He witnessed panic and mayhem as people screamed and ran from the area.
Sisco recounted seeing a man staggering from gunshot wounds before collapsing next to a vehicle, and later reflected on how close he had been to the unfolding tragedy.
Christina Martinez, another visitor, was confronted with the horror while stepping onto an elevator.
As she exited on the 18th floor, she heard the gunfire continuing and was informed by a neighbor that a gunman was near the main entrance.
Martinez expressed her relief at avoiding the situation but also admitted to experiencing panic in the aftermath.
The casino’s entrance leading to the valet area was subsequently cordoned off, with screens erected to shield the view from guests.
In addition to the fatalities, three individuals were hospitalized, with two victims reported to be in critical condition while one was treated and released.
Three others experienced minor injuries, with one person grazed by a bullet, another suffering from severe anxiety, and a third sustaining an injury while fleeing the scene.
A police officer also sustained injuries believed to be from glass fragments during the incident.
“Tragedies like this are horrific for any community to endure,” said Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance, reflecting on the impact of the shooting.
This latest incident marks a year since two men were charged with a different fatal shooting at the same resort in January 2024.
The Grand Sierra Resort boasts one of the largest casino floors in northern Nevada, located just a few blocks from Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
“We are heartbroken by the senseless violence that occurred in our parking area earlier today,” a statement from the casino read, extending thoughts to the victims and all affected by this tragic event.
image source from：npr
